ES2316185T3 - HEAT AND METHOD TRANSFER TO CONTROL THE TEMPERATURE OF A PATIENT. - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for producing heating and cooling of a human body (10), which has a torso that has an area of the chest, armpits with a defined axillary line such as the one that runs between the armpits, and a back area, the apparatus comprising : a panel (100) comprising outer left and right edges, and located there between a left part, a middle part and a right part; further comprising both the left part and the right part upper (111) and lower (131) parts; the upper part and the lower part of the left part are separated by a left division that runs from the left outer edge to a left division point in the panel defining a part of a left edge of the middle part; the upper part and the lower part of the right part are separated by a right division that runs from the right outer edge to a right division point in the panel defining a part of a right edge of the middle part; the middle part is suitable for making contact with at least a first area of the torso, the upper part of the right part and the upper part of the left part can make contact with at least a section of second areas of the torso beyond the first area that makes contact with the middle part, the lower part of the right part and the lower part of the left part can make contact with at least a section of the second areas of the torso, so that a predetermined area of the torso can be exposed for medical purposes, and predetermined remaining areas of the torso may be covered by the apparatus; a section of the panel defines cradles to receive the armpits, and at least one section of the panel extends above the axillary line; and a liquid circulation system (211, 212) in fluid communication with, and providing liquid fluid circulation to and out of, the left, middle and right parts of the panel in a circulation loop.

Description

Heat transfer blanket and method for Control the temperature of a patient.

Background of the invention 1. Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a system of heat transfer to control the temperature of a patient.

2. Description of the associated technique

Man is considered an animal. tropical, which for normal operation requires a temperature  body of approximately 37 ° C. Based on just that protection against tensions caused by variations in the temperature that is obtained physiologically from birth, for the comfortable human survival would require a 37º environment + / maybe 1st. See the article entitled "Hypothermia Physiology, Signs, Symptoms and Treatment Considerations ", Search and Rescue Society of British Columbia, compiled by Michael McEwan, 1995. In McEwan's article is noted, in addition to a human body can auto compensate for small variations in magnification or temperature decrease through the activation of a built-in thermal regulator system, controlled by sensors skin temperature

For example, the response to a variation of body temperature rise is the initiation of a sweating, which moves moisture away from the tissues of the body to the surface of the body, where evaporation produces cooling. Similarly, the response to a variation of decrease in body temperature is to have chills, which are contraction and dilation involuntary muscle tissue of the human body, on a large scale, In an attempt to generate heat.

Stiff and Sixta in the article titled "Hypothermia Care and Prevention", 1997, generally define the hypothermia as the condition that occurs when the temperature Central body falls below normal 37 ° C.

McEwan's article defines what ensues hypothermia when the core temperature drops to 36 ° C.

In the early stages, a mild hypothermia causes vigorous chills that are usually accompanied by a increased pulsation and breathing rate. Hands and cold white feet (when the blood vessels contract the skin) are the first signs that blood is being derived from the extremities of the body.

McEwan's article describes hypothermia smooth as the one that occurs when the core temperature drops to the range of 34-35 ° C. At that point, they start intense uncontrolled chills, even if the victim remains still alert and be able to try to remedy them, although the movements become less coordinated and the cold originates true pain and discomfort

McEwan's article defines hypothermia moderate as the one that occurs when the core temperature is within the range between 31 and 33 ° C. At that point, the chills cease, or become slow, the muscles begin to stiffen, and there is mental confusion and apathy. The word becomes slow, vague and sputtering, while breathing is getting Slower and more superficial.

McEwan's article defines hypothermia as severe that occurs when the core temperature is lower at 31 ° C, while Stiff and Sixta define severe hypothermia as the one that occurs when body temperature falls below of 33 ° C. The blood bypass continues, manifesting itself in blue lips and fingertips, due to poor oxygenation of tissues near the surface of the body. The decreased circulation results in a production of acidic metabolites (waste products) in the muscles of the limbs, until the chills cease and are replaced by muscle stiffness. Pulse and breathing begin to slow down when the center of the body cools up to 30 ° C. The heart can stop at temperatures of approximately 28 ° C or lower.

Hypothermia can occur with enough ease during any outdoor excursion, especially in hard weather situations in which conditions weather conditions may deteriorate unexpectedly or where travelers can get lost, get hurt or deplete their supply of food prematurely In addition, activities abroad in those involved in water present the added possibility of suffer a dive, in which the body cools up to 25 times faster in the water than in the air.

Mild hypothermia is also common during major surgical operations in the body. The causes usual of such perioperative hypothermia or deficiency of the thermal regulation induced by anesthesia, are exposure to cold, altered body heat distribution, and exposure Surgical body cavity at a temperature environment from the operating room. This is a particular problem in the anesthetized patients for more than two hours, when large incisions expose the inside of the body to temperature ambient. As routine measures to reduce heat loss during the operation they include covering the skin, heating the intravenous fluid and transfused blood, and increase the room temperature. In most operations, with except for the brain, hypothermia prevention is a management that corresponds mainly to the anesthetist, because hypothermia during surgery can detrimentally affect your result See the article "Colorectal Surgery Comes in From the Cold ", The New England Journal of Medicine, Vol. 334, No. 19, Mortensen et al., May 19, 1996.

As seen above, the Hypothermia can occur as a result of an accident, or may occur inadvertently during a surgical operation higher. As a unique feature, hypothermia can be induced by a doctor in the treatment of various conditions, usually in which the doctor wishes to protect the brain or the heart. For example, in US Pat. No. 5,486,204, granted on January 23, 1996 to Clifton, described a method to treat a non-penetrating head wound with hypothermia. Such treatment protocol includes defined and specific times, temperatures, rates of change of the temperature and timing of the introduction of medications, and a controlled overheating. In addition, hypothermia is induced frequently during surgery to treat aneurysms intracranial

In McEwan's article it is noted that the cold attack treatment has been subject to controversy for a long time. It is also clear that it is not enough with simply reheating a victim suffering from hypothermia, Instead, controlled heating should be applied. For example, Baron Larrey, Chief Surgeon of Napoleon, noted that the soldiers who suffered from hypothermia and were located closer to the fire camping during Napoleon's withdrawal in Russia, they died. These soldiers probably overheated quickly. How main initial management principles to treat hypothermia, the prevention stands out so that the heat loss does not follow, the overheating as soon as possible do it safely to a "satisfactory" regime (slowly), and overheating from the center before the periphery, in an attempt to prevent them from being induced lethal side effects during overheating. This goal of treatment indicates that it is important, given that hypothermia, by itself, may not be fatal above 25 ° C of central temperature. Fatalities at 25 ° C or higher have place normally during overheating.

McEwan's article notes that the hypothermia causes several reactions in the body by treating it protect yourself and keep your heat, being the most important of they of the constriction vessel, which stops the circulation of blood to the extremities, in order to conserve heat in the critical central area of the body. Chills occur to keep the peripheral constriction vessel, which minimizes the severity of vascular collapse during overheating. The Dilation vessel induction in patients with hypothermia may precipitate the overheating shock and acidosis metabolic This can occur when the periphery is heated (legs and arms) before the center (heart and lungs). In addition, the rapid bypass of cold blood from the extremities to the center, as a direct result of the dilation vessel, you can make the core temperature drop. Glass prevention dilation is the reason why it becomes imperative that limbs of the hypothermia victim are not overheated before the center. If the dilation vessel takes place, the blood cold that returns to the heart may be enough to put the patient in ventricular fibrillation. See again the article of McEwan

McEwan's article indicates the treatment for Different levels of hypothermia. According to McEwan, the Treatment for mild hypothermia includes keeping the head and The neck covered. Stiff and Sixta note that the treatment for mild hypothermia includes, in general, the application of hot deals, water bottles, or heated stones in the camp fire wrapped in hot wet towels, in the Groin, head, neck and chest sides. The tratment of McEwan for moderate hypothermia includes keeping the head and the covered neck, applying gentle heat to the head, neck, chest, armpits and groin of the patient with hypothermia. For one severe hypothermia, McEwan notes that the treatment includes the application of heat by skin-to-skin contact in the areas chest and neck, with exhaled hot air, or with water vapor introduced near the patient's nose and mouth. Stiff and Sixta They note that treatment for severe hypothermia should include the application of hot neck promotions, tobaccos, sides of the chest and groin of the hypothermia victim, keeping head cover

To maintain thermal normality during surgery, devices are available, and are in widespread use heated and cooled by air. However, up to 10% of patients suffer from hypothermia during surgery despite use of those devices. Both air-heated devices such as existing fluid heated devices (see Fig. 1) suffer from the same limitations. They don't make contact with an adequate extension of the body surface for either maintain normal thermal conditions during surgery in parts of the body other than the brain, or to induce a Hypothermia safely during brain surgery or after of having suffered head damage. The current absence of devices to effectively control the temperature of the patient, results in poor clinical outcomes in many cases.

The patents indicated below are refer to various devices for applying heat or cooling to a patient.

In US Pat. No. 2,093,834, granted dated September 21, 1937 to Gaugler, a cooling device for use with a bed that includes in general a blanket that has a plurality of ducts inside the which is provided a cooling or heating means, to either cool or warm a person who is in bed.

In US Pat. No. 2,110,022, granted dated March 1, 1938 to Kliesrath, a bedspread in which a heating or circulating means is circulated cooling.

In US Pat. No. 2,512,559, granted dated June 20, 1950 to Williams, a pad or blanket or similar that is associated with a unit of heat transfer to heat or cool a person who I'm in bed

In US Pat. No. 2,938,356, granted dated 31 from 1960 to McMahon, clothes of bed in the form of sheets, blankets or mattresses, or a "suit of flight "that can be used to heat or cool a Guy wearing the bedding or the flight suit. The clothes of bed or flight suit can be described as a material of Flexible low conductivity support, which has built-in same two types of segments, each of whose types is at least semiconductor. Through this material a current is passed continuous, so that the heat is absorbed or transferred in the junctions, depending on the direction of the current.

In US Pat. No. 2,991,627, granted dated July 11 d 1961 to Suits, a blanket is described for cooling and for heating that can be placed in intimate proximity to a human body. The blanket for cooling and for heating uses a plurality of Peltier joints, through of which direct current is passed to produce heating or cooling. This Peltier effect can favor by circulating air through the blanket by a flexible tube.

In US Pat. No. 3,112,792, granted dated December 3, 1963 to Coleman and others, it is described a personal thermal device that is essentially a "suit of complete flight, through which a fluid is circulated heat transfer. The design of the '792 Patent does not allow a heating capacity or differential cooling, or parts of the body exposed for access to medical procedures.

In US Pat. No. 3,154,926, granted dated November 3, 1964 to Hirschhorn, a cooling blanket in which cold fluid is pumped through a plurality of rigid metal tubes.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,211,216, granted with date of October 12, 1965 to Coleman and others, is a divisional of US Pat. previously described No. 3,112,792.

In US Pat. No. 4,094,357, granted dated June 13, 1978 to Sgroi, a blanket is described for heat transfer having a plurality of pipes of flexible heat sandwiched between the outermost layers of the blanket.

In US Pat. No. 4,017,921, granted dated April 19, 1977 to Hernández, a cooling blanket that uses a plurality of chambers elongated normally defined by a plurality of unions elongated between the sheets of the blanket, in which the cameras are adapted to receive ice.

In US Pat. No. 4,114,620, granted dated September 19, 1978 to Moore and others, described a pad for treating patients for hot use or cold, in which a couple of panels of films are used stratified plastics, which define among them a step for the hot or cold water circulation.

In US Pat. No. 4,118,946, granted dated October 10, 1978 to Tubin, a sheet is described or flexible garment to be worn or around the body human, or of a body member for cooling, in whose sheet or flexible garment there is a means of heat transfer liquid, viscous, in a first fluid circuit, and a gas to pressure in a second fluid circuit to transfer heat out of the body. The device of the '946, however, has if worn in high temperature outdoor situations, and is not suitable for medical applications when a very precise control of the temperature of an injured person or sick who cannot regulate his own temperature. Further, The device of the '946 is rectangular in shape that does not fit that of the body.

In US Pat. No. 4,132,262, granted dated January 2, 1979 to Wibell, a blanket is described for heating and for cooling with heating means that includes a plurality of flexible elements located within the blanket to be electrically excited to supply heat to the blanket, and cooling means that include a plurality of flexible fluid carrying ducts located inside the blanket, to which a transfer fluid can be flowed from heat, so that the blanket can be kept below the room temperature. These heating elements and of cooling have been arranged in such a way that a thermal blanket that has respective controllable areas independently, so that the zones can, at the same time, either heat or cool the blanket user. He invention of '262 describes areas that can be heated and cooled independently. However, the areas of device of the '262 are rectangular areas in a blanket rectangular, which neither adapt to the body nor provide access to the body for surgery or medical care. In document US 5 417 720 describes an apparatus for producing heating or cooling in a human body.

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In US Pat. No. 4,149,541, granted dated April 17, 1979 to Gammons and others, a fluid circulation pad, with internal steps that are interconnected to circulate a hot or cold liquid to Treatment of a patient

In US Pat. No. 4,660,388, granted dated April 28, 1987 to Greene, Jr., a cooling cover comprising a plurality of small air jets, through which air is directed to the body of a cover user for cooling.

In US Pat. No. 4,662,433, granted dated May 4, 1987 to Cahn and others, a cooling blanket that uses a circulation foam stable as a means of cooling.

In US Pat. No. 4,859,250, granted dated August 22, 1969 to Buist, a bomb of heat or thermal electrical energy source device that is provided with elements of type-P and Type-N made of either thin films or either and thick films, for use on flexible substrates or not flexible, such as thermal devices, blankets, or devices therapeutic for heating or cooling.

In US Pat. No. 5,014,695, granted dated May 14, 1991 to Benak and others, a cooling / heating shirt pad to contain physiological organs such as hearts and kidneys during medical procedures. The patent shirt '695, however, it is designed to wrap around an organ inside the body

In US Pat. No. 5,125,238, granted dated June 30, 1992 to Ragan and others, a disposable blanket for heating or cooling a patient. The patient is bathed and air conditioning is passed through a multiplicity of holes in the lower layers of the blanket, and the size and position of the holes are such that there is there is enough pressure inside the blanket to avoid a overflow blocking and to ensure a uniform flow of air to through the holes throughout the blanket area.

In US Pat. No. 5,165,127, granted dated November 24, 1992 to Nicholson, a blanket apparatus for heating and cooling in which uses a circulating heat transfer fluid.

In US Pat. No. 5,265,599, granted dated November 30, 1993 to Stephenson and others, it describes a blanket to control the patient's temperature with controlled air distribution. The blanket is provided with a plurality of holes through which air is introduced into controlled pressure on the patient's body, to regulate the patient body temperature.

In US Pat. No. 5,392,847, granted dated February 28, 1995 to Stephenson, a thermal medical blanket that distributes heated air or for cooling on the patient.

In 1992, one of the inventors used a modified non-commercial realization of the RotoRest bed (Kinetic Concepts, Inc.) in a study on hypothermia. That bed had been equipped with cooling panels to wrap the abdomen and the chest Unfortunately, that blanket does not have the ability to heat and cool different body surfaces at the same time, the cooling device cannot be used regardless of the bed, and the bed cannot be used in the operating room or in a room for post operation, due to the limitations imposed regarding patient care by the RotoRest bed.

However, despite these advances in the prior art, none of those references of the prior art  describes or suggests an apparatus for selective reheating of a patient with hypothermia, to reheat several parts of the body to different speeds and at different temperatures, to reduce Minimum cases of dilation vessel. Also, none of those Prior art references describe a suit that wraps the torso and legs, exposing the arms, the buttocks, the perineum and head. In addition, none of those references of the prior art describes panels that can be opened for get access to the chest, abdomen, legs or back, to expose a surgical field or to provide access to those areas for necessary medical care.

For example, in the situation of a patient who suffer from hypothermia, or where the hypothermia has been deliberately induced, it is necessary that the arms remain exposed, since they are the main place for the insertion of necessary intravenous lines. Head exposure is necessary to maintain control of the air passage. The capacity for easy access to the chest, back and abdomen (to the center), it is necessary in case you need to practice cardiopulmonary resuscitation, to auscultate the heart and breath sounds, to auscultate abdominal sounds, or to provide exposure to chest, back, or surgery The abdomen. Exposure of the legs is necessary for hygiene, or  Good for leg surgery. The perineum is always exposed in order to have access to the tract at all times urinary, and also due to the significant hygiene issues associated to those places when the waste from the body. A firm contact of the blanket with the torso and legs is however necessary to control the temperature, either inducing hypothermia, maintaining hypothermia, or overheating. In a medical environment, however, easy access to the torso and to the legs and exposure of the head, arms and of the perineum None of the prior art devices It satisfies those needs.

Therefore, the technique still exists in need for an apparatus for selective heating and cooling of various parts of the body of a human suffering from hypothermia, of so that different parts of the heat can be heated and cooled body at different speeds and at different temperatures.

There is still another need in the art for a apparatus for heating and ex of a patient, in which the maximum body surface is in contact with the surface of cooling / heating, which also provides easy access to the patient's body for either surgery or care The patient's routine while the patient is being heated and / or cooled.

These and other technical needs will be obvious to those who possess the knowledge currents of the technique, after examining this report descriptive, including its drawings and claims.

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Summary of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for selective heating and cooling of a patient, so that several parts of the patient can be heated and cooled body at different speeds and at different temperatures.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for heating and cooling a patient who also allow easy access to various body parts of the patient during such heating and cooling.

These and other objects of the present invention will be obvious to those who possess the knowledge currents of the technique, after examining this report descriptive, including its drawings and claims.

The invention has been defined in the accompanying claims 1 and 5, and the embodiments Preferred are described in the dependent claims.

In one embodiment of the present application, provides an apparatus to produce heating and cooling in a human body that has a torso, legs, armpits and bones iliac, with a defined axillary line like the one that runs between the armpits, and with a defined iliac line as the one that runs between the iliac bones. The device includes at least one panel for the torso, suitable for wrapping the torso, in which they are defined  cribs to receive the armpits, where at least a part of the panel for the torso it extends above the axillary line, and at least a fluid communication system that provides circulation of fluid inside the torso panel.

In another embodiment of the present application, provides an apparatus to produce heating and cooling of a human body that has a torso, legs, armpits and bones iliac, with a defined exile line like the one that runs between the armpits, and with a defined iliac line as the one that runs between the iliac bones. The device includes at least one panel for the torso, suitable for wrapping the torso, where the panel for the Torso defines curvilinear chairs to receive the iliac bones, where at least a part of the panel for the torso extends for below the iliac line, and a fluid communication system in fluid communication that provides fluid circulation within of the panel for the torso.

In yet another embodiment of the present request, an apparatus is provided for producing heating and cooling of a human body that has a torso, legs, armpits and iliac bones, with a defined axillary line like the one runs between the armpits, and with an iliac line like the one runs between the iliac bones. The device includes a first torso panel suitable for wrapping the torso, in which the First panel for the torso defines cradles to receive the armpits, where at least a part of the first panel for the torso extends above the axillary line, a second panel for the torso suitable for wrapping the torso, in which the second panel for the Torso defines curvilinear chairs to receive the iliac bones, where at least a part of the second panel for the torso is extends below the iliac line, and at least the system of fluid communication in fluid communication with, and that provides fluid circulation within the panels for the First and second torso.

In yet another embodiment of the present request, an apparatus is provided for producing heating and cooling of a human body that has a torso, the apparatus includes a panel that has left and right outer edges, and located between them a left part, a middle part and a right part, in which both the left part and the part right also have upper and lower parts, defining the upper and lower parts of the left part a division left that runs from the outer left edge to a left split point in the panel that defines an edge left of the middle part, defining the upper parts and bottom of the right part a right division that runs from the right outer edge to a point of right division in the panel that defines a right edge of the middle part, with the part adequate mean to receive at least part of the torso, and the upper and lower parts suitable for wrapping at least A part of the torso.

In yet another embodiment of the present application, an apparatus is provided for producing heating and cooling of a human body having a leg comprising an upper leg, a knee, and a lower leg, the apparatus including a panel that includes left outer edges. and right, and located between them a left part, a middle part, and a right part, also including both the left part and the right part, upper leg and lower leg parts, suitable for wrapping, respectively. the upper leg and the lower leg, the upper leg and lower leg parts of the left part defining a knee opening that runs from the left outer edge to a left dividing point in the panel defining a left edge of the middle part, the upper leg and lower leg parts of the right part defining a division that runs from the right outer edge to a right division point in the panel defining a right edge of the middle part, in which the middle part it is suitable to receive at least a part of the
leg.

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Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is an illustration of a patient 10 shown placed on a blanket B of the prior art.

Fig. 2 is an illustration of an embodiment of the blanket 100 of heating and cooling of the present invention, with the main panel 150, the chest panels 111, the panel for the abdomen 131, the panel for the upper leg 141, the lower leg panel 171, the trimmed part 176 between panels 141 and 171, projections 115 extending over above the axillary line 113, and the projections 135 that extend below iliac line 133.

Fig. 3 is an illustration in which represented a view of the back of the patient 10 located on the 100 heating and cooling blanket, with the main panel 150, chest panels 111, abdomen panels 131, the panels for the upper leg 141 and the panels for the lower leg 171 that respectively wrap the chest, the abdomen, and upper and lower legs with the connection area 123 and the trimmed part 175.

Fig. 4 is an illustration in which represented a front view of the blanket 100 or in another view front of the realization of blankets 200 and 300 (illustrated in the Fig. 8), with patient 10 located on blankets 100 and 200 with chest panels 111, abdomen panels 131, upper leg panels 141, and leg panels bottom 171, with all panels closed.

Fig. 5 is an illustration in which represented patient 10 in the prone position on 200 and 300 heating and cooling blankets, with panels for the abdomen 131 open to allow surgical access to the patient's back 5. Blanket 200 is inverted, so that main panel 150 is prior to patient 10, allowing the panel for abdomen 131 be opened for surgical access to the back, with the incision illustrated.

Fig. 6 is an illustration in which introduces the patient 10 located on heating blankets and 100 or 200 and 300 cooling, with abdomen panels 131 open to allow surgical access to the patient's abdomen 7. The connection panel 123 of the blanket 100, and the main panel of Blankets 100 and 200 are not visible according to this orientation.

Fig. 7 is an illustration in which represented patient 10 in a lateral position on blankets 100 or 200 and 300 heating and cooling, with the panel for the chest 111 open to expose the upper right part of the patient's chest 9. Main panel 150 (not seen) allows open the chest panel 111 until near the spine of patient 10, allowing surgical access.

Fig. 8 is an illustration of the patient 10 located on the blanket 200 for heating and cooling and on heating and cooling blankets 300 of the present invention, in where the 300 leg wraps are independent the one of the other and of the wrap 200 for the torso.

Fig. 9 is an illustration in which represented a view of the back of the patient 10 located on the blanket 200 and blankets 300 for heating and cooling the Fig. 8. The previous view of Fig. 9 is the same as the depicted in Fig. 4.

Fig. 10 is an illustration in which represented the front view of the patient 10 located on the blanket 100 or over blankets 200 and 300 heating and cooling, with 111 chest panels that have extensions 112, panels for abdomen 131 that have extensions 132, the upper leg panels 141 and the lower leg panels 171 having extensions 172, which respectively, the chest, abdomen and legs are wrapped upper and lower.

Fig. 11 is an illustration in which represented the back view of the patient 10 located on the 200 and 300 heating and cooling blankets with panels for the ceiling 111 having extensions 112, panels for the abdomen 131 that have extensions 132, leg panels upper 141 and lower leg panels 171 which have extensions 172 that wrap, respectively, the chest the abdomen and the upper and lower legs.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Before discussing the details of this invention, reference will first be made to a blanket of the technique Previously used. With reference first to the Fig. 1, an illustration of the patient 10 has been shown presented placed on a blanket B of the prior art. The configuration of a prior art blanket represented in general in Fig. 1, it is currently the only configuration commercially available to produce cooling of all the body surface A heat transfer fluid is put into circulation inside and outside the blanket B using tubes 11 and 12, respectively. Note that the blanket B generally makes contact with only a limited part of the surface of the patient's skin 10, generally part of the back or front body, on which you are resting patient 10. In the supine position, blanket B of the Prior technique does not make contact with the body contour. When blanket B makes contact with the back surface of the patient 10, only makes contact with the scapula, the buttocks and the posterior surface of the lower legs. If you make contact with the previous surface, the blanket B of the prior art only makes contact with the area of the pectoral muscles or with the breasts in the chest, with the anterior aspect of the abdomen, and with the anterior aspect of the upper legs and knees. In addition, in the operating room where the patient is leaning on its side, the blanket 10 of the prior art would only contact with the patient's side. In addition, due to its shape rectangular, the blanket 10 of the prior art cannot wrap the legs or the trunk, leaving therefore most of the body surface without making contact with the blanket. In Any of the above situations, the area could be improved Heat transfer

The present invention will be described below. with reference to Figs. 2-11. With reference in first to Fig. 2, a realization of heating and cooling blanket 100 of Present invention, main panel 150, leg panel upper 141 and lower leg panel 171, with the area of connection 123. The heating and cooling blanket 100 makes possible to wrap the chest, abdomen and upper legs and bottom using several panels 111, 131, 141 and 171, respectively. These various panels can be opened for get access during surgery, during procedures doctors, or for hygiene.

With reference now to Fig. 8, it has been represented in it another embodiment of blankets 200 and 300 of heating and cooling of the present invention. The blanket of cooling 200 contains chest panels 111, and panel for the abdomen 131 connected to the main panel 150 and makes possible wrap chest and abdomen. 300 cooling blanket Contains panel 171 for the lower leg connected by means of opening 175 for the knee with panel 141 for the leg upper, and allows to wrap a leg without contact or point of Blanket pressure on the knee. The opening 175 for the knee can be of any suitable form. As examples no shape limiters suitable for opening 175 for the knee, the circular, oval, rectangular, the square, any regular geometric shape of any number n of sides. or irregular, or a combination thereof.

With reference now also to Fig. 3, it has been represented in it an illustration in which the view is shown back of patient 10 located on blanket 100 of heating and cooling, with chest panels 111, the panels for the abdomen 131, the panels for the legs upper 141 and lower leg panels 171, which respectively wrap the chest, abdomen and legs upper and lower, with connection area 123 and parts curvilinear 115 and 175. In this view, all panels 111, 131, 141 and 171 of blanket 100 are closed, thereby providing the maximum coverage of the surface area of the body over time in which no surgical or medical access is required for care of the patient.

With reference now to Fig. 4, it has been represented in it an illustration in which a view is shown front of blanket 100 or a front view of blankets 200 and 300 (illustrated in Fig. 8) with patient 10 placed on either a single blanket 100 or be the separate blankets 200 and 300, with the chest panels 111, abdomen panels 131, upper leg panels 141 and panels for the lower legs 171. In this view, all panels 111, 131, 141 and 171 of blanket 100 or blankets 200 and 300 are closed, thereby providing maximum coverage of the area of the body surface for as long as it is not required surgical or medical access for patient care. Observe yourself that the curvilinear part 175 allows the closure of panels 141 and 171 without contact or pressure point of the present blanket invention about the knee or knees.

With reference now to Fig. 5, it has been represented on it an illustration of patient 10 in the position prone position on heating and cooling blankets 200 and 300 with the panels for abdomen 131 open to allow surgical access to the patient's back 5. The blanket 200 is inverted, and a surgical incision has been illustrated. The area of reception or main panel 150 (illustrated in Fig. 8) receives the anterior part of patient 10, so that panels 111 and 131 of the blanket 200 opens on the back surface of the patient 10. By placing patient 10 on blanket 200 in that way, he provides surgical exposure of the back when the patient 10 is in the prone position, while provides maximum contact of the body surface of the patient 10 with blanket 200 heating / cooling during Surgery. Note that in Fig. 5 the blankets 300 are located such that panels 141 and 171 open at the front, thereby avoiding pressure points on the knee or knees.

With reference now to Fig. 8, it has been represented in it an illustration of the patient 10 located above a single blanket 100 for heating and cooling, or over separate heating and cooling blankets 200 and 300, with abdomen panels 131 open to allow surgical access to abdomen 7 of the patient. Placing patient 10 on the blanket 100 or over blankets 200 and 300 in that position, the access to abdomen 7, with the representative surgical incision, opening only panel 131. for this, placing the patient 10 on the blanket 100 or on the blankets 200 and 300 in that way, it provides surgical exposure of the abdomen 7 when the patient 10 is in the supine position, while provides maximum contact of the body surface of the patient 10 with the heating / cooling blanket 100 or with the 200 and / or 300 blankets during surgery.

With reference now to Fig. 7, it has been represented on it an illustration of patient 10 in a position  on the side, on the heating and cooling blanket 100 or on blankets 200 and 300 with the chest panel 111 open for expose the upper right part of the patient's chest 9. Preferably, the central panel 150, as illustrated in the Figs. 2 and 8, must be narrow enough for the thoracic incision can be carried well later. How unique feature of heating and cooling blankets of the present invention, maximum contact is obtained between the blankets and the surface of the patient's body 10 even when the patient 10 be in side position. Blanket B of the prior art it only presents the aspect of the lateral contact of the part body dependent with patient 10 in the same position.

With reference now to Fig. 8, it has been represented in it an illustration of the patient 10 located above blanket 200 for heating and cooling and on blankets 300 of heating and cooling of the present invention, with all open panels.

With reference now to Fig. 9, it has been represented in it an illustration of the patient 10 located above blanket 200 for heating and cooling and on blankets 300 of Fig. 8. The previous view of Fig. 9 is the same as the depicted in Fig. 4.

With reference now to Fig. 10, this is a illustration showing the front view of the patient 10 located on the blanket 100 for heating and cooling, or on blankets 200 and 300 with chest panels 111, which they have extensions 112, the panels for abdomen 131, which have extensions 132, the upper leg panels 141 and the lower leg panels 171 having extensions 172 that wrap, respectively, the chest, abdomen, and legs upper and lower. Extensions 172 could be located on top of panel 141, or on top lower than 171.

With reference now to Fig. 11, it has been represented in it an illustration in which the view is shown of the patient's back 10 located on blankets 200 and 300 of heating and cooling with the chest panels 111, which they have extensions 112, the panels for abdomen 131, which have extensions 132, the upper leg panels 141 and the lower leg panels 171 having extensions 172 that wrap, respectively, the chest, abdomen, and legs upper and lower. Extensions 172 could be located on the top of panel 141 or on the bottom of 171.

Optional extension panels 112, 132 and 172 +, allow a size of the blanket 100 or blankets 200 and 300 It fits a wider range of body sizes. By example, as illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11, for smaller people, panels 112, 132 and 172 fold or they roll up, being secured in position by their own weight or, optionally, by fasteners 114, 134 and 174, respectively. For older individuals dimensions, can be deployed or unrolled individually any number of extension panels 112, 132 or 172, for provide coverage of a larger part of the person's body. As before, panel extensions 112, 132 and 172 can be also folded or rolled up to provide access to surgery, for medical procedures, or for hygiene.

Panel extensions 112, 132 and 172 can secure in position by its own weight, with tape, or with any suitable fastener 114, 134 and 174, including snaps, buttons, hooks, zippers and systems of the type of hooks and rings, of which an example Commercially available includes the so-called VELCRO.

Panel extensions 112, 132, 172 can be in any way appropriate to provide the desired coverage. It is understood that extensions 112, 132 and 172 can be so that it narrows, or be contoured from another mode to adapt to body shape.

Note that the blankets of the present invention provide full access to the head and neck, arms, to the feet and the perineum. Although not necessary, it is desirable that 100, 200 and 300 heating and cooling blankets reversible, that is, that patient 10 can be placed on one or the other of the surfaces of the 100, 200 or 300 blankets.

With reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 8, it has been arranged the main panel 150 so that in the side position during surgery the blanket 100 or 200 heating and cooling can optionally be used with one or more panels open, allowing full access to the thorax and flanks to surgery. The main panel 150 generally extends from the neck to the buttocks, and is limited by fold lines 151 and  152, with the distance between the folding lines in the margin of about 5 to about 30 cm, and preferably in the margin of about 10 to about 15 cm.

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With reference now also to Figs. 4, 6 and 7, the purpose of the central or main panel 150 is also that of provide fixing places for panels 111 and panels 131, such that the small gap between panels allow panels 111 to 131 to be opened independently without impeding surgical access to the part lateral chest or flank.

This feature allows you to select the surgical access to the chest and / or abdomen while the patient 10 is in the side, prone, and recumbent positions supine, while still providing maximum coverage of the patient 10.

It is generally desirable to provide spacing between the chest panels 111 and the panels for  abdomen 131, to allow access to the abdomen during laparotomy Although in the embodiment illustrated, they are only so that the upper edge of 111 panels for the chest, this can be achieved providing in one or both of panels 111 and 131 a slight taper or angle to provide spacing between panels 111 and 131.

Preferably, to provide coverage to a larger surface area of the body, panel 111 may contain one or more auxiliary curvilinear parts 115, as illustrated in the figures, so that when panel 111 goes around the body, the one or more curvilinear parts 115 define cribs 115A and 115B for the armpits, located below, and adjacent to, the armpits 113A and 113B, such that at least a part of the panel 111 extends above the line 113 drawn between the armpits 113A and 113B. In addition, panel 131 may contain one or more parts. curvilinear 115 for the iliac bones, such that when the panel 131 circles the body, the one or more curvilinear parts 135 chairs 135A and 135B define for the iliac bones, located by above, and adjacent to, the iliac crest 133A and 133B, thereby that at least one part of panel 131 extends below the line 133 drawn between iliac crest 133A and 133B. Although the cots 115A and 115B and chairs 135A and 135B have been defined in general as curvilinear, it is understood that the same they can be in any suitable way or have trimmed parts to receive the armpits and iliac bones, respectively. How non-limiting examples of shapes suitable for cribs 115A and 115B, and for chairs 135A and 135B, the square shape is included, the rectangular, the oval, any regular geometric shape or irregular, or a combination thereof.

As illustrated in Fig. 2, the opening 82 for the perineum on the blanket 100 provides access both by the anterior part as per the posterior part of the perineum for hygiene and for catheter exit. Alternatively, the blanket 100 of heating and cooling of the present invention may be provided with a disposable surface in the perineum, to avoid Let the blanket 100 get dirty.

The heating and cooling apparatus 100, 200 and 300 of the present invention, may be provided with a fluid heat transfer to allow heating or cooling. In general, a fluid is circulated from heat transfer, most commonly water, through the 100, 200 or 300 heating and cooling blanket, which is in general provided with internal passages, tubes, channels or similar. This heat transfer fluid is provided at a desired temperature, and is circulated with a desired flow rate, to produce the desired heating or cooling of the patient 10.

The blanket 100, 200 or 300 heating and entire cooling can consist of a single communication zone  of fluid Such an arrangement would essentially provide only one temperature in all parts, with small deviations from the temperature depending on fluid flow patterns.

As an alternative, blanket 100 and blankets 200 and 300 heating and cooling could be provided with two or more fluid communication zones, which can be heated and / or cooled independently, as desired. By For example, the fluid for the main panel 150 would be provided to through connectors 211 and 212 for this application. The fluid addressed to leg panels 141 and 171 would be provided through connectors 221 and 222 in this application. For example, panels 111 with optional extension 112, 131, with optional extension 132, 141 and 171, with optional extension 172, could be provided with independent fluid circulation and heated and / or cooled independently, as desired. How another example, for those surgical procedures that require that the upper body temperature be controlled independently with respect to that of the lower body, the panels 111 for the upper body chest, and panels 131 for the abdomen, they could be in fluid communication each with the other and / or through the main panel 150, and the panels for upper legs 141 and leg panels lower 171 of the lower body could be in communication each with the other, not being in fluid communication the panels for the upper body and for the lower body.

Each fluid communication zone to be be heated and / or cooled, will include channels, passages, pipes, or similar internal, to receive a heat transfer medium, which will be passed through the area to provide heating or cooling For example, the areas of heating and cooling may be provided with one or more ducts that carry medium, through which it can be done Flow a heat transfer medium. As an alternative, each one of the heat transfer zones may be provided with a plurality of steps forming a wafer grid pattern crosslinked, for the random flow of the transfer medium of heat in many directions within each of the zones of heat transfer, as described in US Pat. No. 4,149,541, granted on April 17, 1979 to Gammons and others, whose exhibition is here incorporated by reference.

The various fluid communication zones of the heating, cooling and cooling devices 100, 200 and 300 of the Present invention, include heat transfer inputs for introduce the heat transfer medium into the respective zone, and a heat transfer medium outlet through the which heat transfer medium comes out of the various zones of heating and cooling. Generally, the media input Heat transfer and transfer media output heat comprise a screw adjustment mechanism, adjusting to pressure, or other friction adjustment, for application with pipes, rigid pipes, flexible pipes, or other types of conduits that will provide a means of heat transfer to the heat transfer zone and that carry such a means of heat transfer outside the transfer zone of hot.

It is generally desired that at least one set of heat transfer media inputs and media outputs Heat transfer is located on one side of the blankets 100, 200 or 300 heating and cooling, since generally the direction from which the fluid is provided will also be in General return address. Preferably, at least one set of heat transfer media inputs and outputs of heat transfer medium is located on each side of the 100, 200 or 300 heating and cooling blankets, since, in In general, in the hurry to place the blankets 100, 200 or 300 you can that care is not taken to determine the positions of the source of heat transfer fluid.

For example, in the embodiments that have been represented in Figs. 2-5, panels 111 for the upper body chest, and the panels 131 for the abdomen, are in fluid communication with each other, with the fluid of heat transfer provided through tube 211 and that returns through tube 212. Heat transfer fluid enters through tube 211, circulates through the panels for the chest 111 and panels for abdomen 131, and returns through of tube 212. Similarly, the upper leg panels of the lower body 141, and the lower leg panels 171, are in communication with each other. The transfer fluid of heat enters through tube 221, circulates through panels 141 and 171, and returns through tube 222. Blankets 300 can be connected each to an external source of fluid, or the connectors 221 and 22 can be connected to each other, with a set additional flexible pipes entering a blanket 300, the which then connects to an external fluid source. In Figs.  2-7 placement achievements have been represented in alternative positions, slightly different, not limiting, for tubes 211 and 212 and for tubes 221 and 222.

It is also generally desirable that the internal fluid communication of blankets 100, 200 and 300 be suitable to allow panels and panel extensions be folded over themselves, without substantially hindering fluid flow This is usually achieved using for it fluid vessels that have an adequate degree of integrity structural to resist crushing, and using a multiplicity of steps to provide communication paths of fluid alternatives.

It should be understood that although they have illustrated one or two zones in the embodiment of blanket of heating and cooling, as depicted in Figs. 2-5, you can use any number that is Desire of zone or zones in the practice of the present invention.

As an alternative way of operating the realization of heating and cooling blanket like the represented in Figs. 2-5, tube 212 of output could be connected to the inlet tube 221 to convert this two zone embodiment in a single zone embodiment of fluid communication.

In the practice of the present invention, the means of Heat transfer used can be any liquid, gas, gel, foam, emulsion, or other medium capable of flowing, whatever Suitable for heat transfer. Preferably, the medium Heat transfer used in the present invention is the Water. It should be understood that the heat transfer medium used in the present invention may include other substances, such as preservatives, bactericides, deodorants, agents dyes, anti-corrosion agents, antioxidants, agents surfactants, sealants, and the like.

It should be understood that the system of fluid communication of the present invention may consist of a only fluid communication system that has one or more loops of circulation, or the fluid communication system can consist of one or more independent systems that each one has one or more circulation loops. It must be understood that each one of the heating / cooling zones of the blanket of heating and cooling can be in fluid communication with one or more fluid circulation loops, and may not share None, or share some, or all, of your circulation loops of fluid with one or more of the other areas of heating / cooling

In the practice of the present invention, each of the panels and / or optional panel extensions, can be held in position by their own weight, with adhesive tape, or by using any suitable fastener, including snap closures, buttons, hooks, zippers, and systems of the type of hooks and rings, of which an example Commercially available includes the so-called VELCRO.

The 100, 200 and 300 heating devices and cooling of the present invention can optionally be provided  of one or more access points to gain access to a part specific to the patient's body 10. For example, any of Optional panels or panel extensions may be provided of panels of smaller size, capable of being open or of be removed to allow access to patient 10 without need to open or remove the large panel. Each of those panels of smaller size can be secured in position by its own weight, with adhesive tape, or by any fastener suitable, including snap fasteners, buttons, hooks, zippers, and hook and loop type systems, of which a Commercially available example is called VELCRO.

Optionally, any part of the blankets 100, 200 or 300 heating and cooling can be transparent, to allow visual observation of the body that is underneath, without having to remove the blanket 100, 200 or 300

The heat transfer medium of the present invention can be circulated through a system of closed loop heating and cooling that is located adjacent to the 100, 200 or 300 heating apparatus and cooling of the present invention. Methods of a apparatus for heating and cooling a medium of heat transfer in circulation, and the present invention should not be considered limited to any type of particular system. How alternatively, the heat transfer medium can be provided with a larger system, such as a system of water heating or cooling of a hospital.

It is contemplated that they can be used any construction materials suitable for the construction of the 100, 200 or 300 heating devices and cooling of the present invention. In most cases, the operating temperature range will be the one in which the water Be in a liquid state. It is generally preferred that the material of construction is not too resistant to bending and folding to colder temperatures In general, building materials will generally be selected from thermoplastics, the thermosetting, elastomers and rubbers.

The surface of the 100, 200 or 300 blankets of heating and cooling that make contact with the patient 10 preferably comprises an absorbent material.

It should be understood that although the blankets of heating and cooling of the present invention have been Illustrated only with panels for the chest, abdomen and legs upper and lower, others can optionally be used panels for the head, neck, arms, hands and feet, as desired or needed. In addition, you can use any proper combination of panels covering any part or parts that you want to cover the patient 10.

Although the details have been described in detail illustrative embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that other several modifications will be evident and can be easily made by those who are experts in the art, without deviating of the spirit does not exceed the scope of the invention. Consequently, no it has been intended that the scope of the claims herein be accompany be limited to the examples and descriptions here have stated, but instead the claims sen understood as encompassing all the novelty features patentable residing in the present invention, including all characteristics that would be treated as equivalent thereof by those who possess the knowledge of the technique to which This invention belongs.

Claims (7)

1. An apparatus for producing heating and cooling of a human body (10), which has a torso that It has an area of the chest, some armpits with a defined axillary line like the one that runs between the armpits, and a back area, comprising the device:

one panel (100) comprising outer left and right edges, and located there between a left part, a middle part and a part right;

understanding in addition both the left part and the right part parts upper (111) and lower (131);

the part upper and lower left part are separated by a left division that runs from the outer edge left to a left split point in the panel that defines a part of a left edge of the middle part;

the part upper and lower part of the right side are separated by a right division that runs from the outer edge right to a right division point in the panel that defines a part of a right edge of the middle part;

the middle part It is suitable for making contact with at least a first area of the torso, the upper part of the right part and the upper part of the left side can make contact with at least one section of second areas of the torso beyond the first area that makes contact with the middle part, the bottom part of the part right and the bottom of the left side can do contact with at least one section of the second areas of the torso, so that a predetermined area of the torso can be exposed for medical purposes, and predetermined remaining areas of the torso can be covered by the apparatus;

a section of panel defines cradles to receive the armpits, and at least one section of the panel extends above the axillary line; Y

a system of liquid circulation (211, 212) in fluid communication with, and which provides circulation of liquid fluid to and out of, the  left, middle and right parts of the panel in a loop of circulation.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, in the that cribs have a curvilinear shape. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or the claim 2, wherein the body further comprises bones iliac with a defined iliac line like the one that runs between the iliac bones and in which a section of the panel defines chairs to receive the iliac bones and in which at least one Panel section extends below the iliac line. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, in the that the chairs have a curvilinear shape. 5. An apparatus for producing heating and cooling of a human body (10), which has a torso that It has an area of the chest, iliac bones with an iliac line defined as the one that runs between the iliac bones, and an area back, including the device:

one panel (100) comprising outer left and right edges, and located there between a left part, a middle part and a part right;

understanding in addition both the left part and the right part parts upper (111) and lower (131);

the part upper and lower left part are separated by a left division that runs from the outer edge left to a left split point in the panel that defines a part of a left edge of the middle part;

the part upper and lower part of the right side are separated by a right division that runs from the outer edge right to a right division point in the panel that defines a part of a right edge of the middle part;

the middle part It is suitable for making contact with at least a first area of the torso, the upper part of the right part and the upper part of the left side can make contact with at least one section of second areas of the torso beyond the first area that makes contact with the middle part, the bottom part of the part right and the bottom of the left side can do contact with at least one section of the second areas of the torso, so that a predetermined area of the torso can be exposed for medical purposes, and predetermined remaining areas of the torso can be covered by the apparatus;

a section of panel defines chairs to receive the iliac bones, and at least a section of the panel extends below the iliac line; Y

a system of liquid circulation (211, 212) in fluid communication with, and which provides circulation of liquid fluid to and out of, the   left, middle and right parts of the panel in a loop of circulation.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, in the that the chairs have a curvilinear shape. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1 or the claim 5, wherein the upper and lower parts are parallel aligned.